Baked Sweet And Sour Chicken

Name: Baked Sweet And Sour Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: Serves four
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless chicken breasts; 2 eggs (beaten); ½ cup cornstarch; ¼ cup oil; Salt and black pepper (to taste); ¼ cup ketchup; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ cup sugar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; ½ cup apple cider vinegar

Published: June 7, 2025

by Olivia

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Baked Sweet And Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that offers the perfect balance of tangy sweetness and crunchy texture. This recipe brings the classic Chinese takeout favorite right to your kitchen with minimal effort. Suitable for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep, this dish will quickly become a household favorite. The stand-out qualities of this recipe include its ease of preparation and the mouthwatering flavor that will leave you craving more.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can make this dish at home.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet and sour sauce with crispy chicken delivers a taste sensation that’s hard to beat.
Versatile Meal: Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests; it suits any occasion with style.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this delicious meal, making it ideal for family gatherings.
Budget-Friendly: This recipe is not only tasty but also economical, helping you save on takeout costs.

Tools and Preparation

To make Baked Sweet And Sour Chicken, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking dish (9 x 13 inches)
Mixing bowl
Saucepan
Whisk or fork
Kitchen paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking and helps create that crispy crust on the chicken.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining your sweet and sour sauce ingredients without spills.
Saucepan: Used for frying the chicken until golden brown, adding flavor and texture before baking.

Ingredients

A very delicious and easy-to-make recipe. The crust on the chicken is so crunchy, and the sauce is tangy and sweet (and sour, too). Give it a try; you’ll never order takeout again!

For the Chicken

1 pound boneless chicken breasts
2 eggs (beaten)
½ cup cornstarch
¼ cup oil
Salt and ground black pepper (as much as you like)

For the Sweet And Sour Sauce

¼ cup ketchup
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ cup sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
½ cup apple cider vinegar

How to Make Baked Sweet And Sour Chicken

Step 1: Cut the Chicken

Cut chicken into roughly 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. This size helps achieve that perfect tender texture.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to about 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat a 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Combine ketchup, garlic powder, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce in a bowl; set aside. This mixture will add flavor to your chicken.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add cornstarch and toss lightly to coat each piece evenly. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs one at a time.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

In a big saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate lined with kitchen paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer the fried chicken to your prepared baking pan. Toss with prepared sauce mixture—Bake for around 50 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Turn the chicken over after 15 minutes for even cooking.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with green onion for added flavor and color. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your homemade Baked Sweet And Sour Chicken!

How to Serve Baked Sweet And Sour Chicken

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Rice

Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice complements the sweet and tangy flavors beautifully.
Fried Rice: A savory option that adds texture and flavor variety.

With Vegetables

Stir-Fried Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli drizzled with soy sauce adds a healthy crunch.
Mixed Stir-Fry Vegetables: A colorful medley of bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas for added nutrients.

With Salads

Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumbers tossed in vinegar make a light side.
Asian Slaw: Crunchy cabbage and carrots dressed in sesame oil provide a nice contrast to the chicken.

With Dipping Sauces

Sweet Chili Sauce: For those who love an extra zing, this sauce pairs perfectly.
Soy Sauce Mixture: A simple blend of soy sauce with green onions can enhance the flavor profile.

How to Perfect Baked Sweet And Sour Chicken

To achieve the best Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken, follow these tips for great results.

Marinate the Chicken: Letting chicken sit in the sweet and sour sauce for an hour can enhance flavors.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality ketchup can elevate your dish.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: Coating chicken in cornstarch creates that desired crunchy crust.
Monitor Cooking Time: Ensure you check the chicken regularly to avoid overcooking.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Cooking chicken to 165 degrees Fahrenheit ensures it’s perfectly done.
Garnish Before Serving: Adding chopped green onions right before serving adds freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Sweet And Sour Chicken

Pairing Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken with delicious side dishes can transform your meal. Here are some great options.

Fried Rice: A classic side that absorbs flavors well; add peas and carrots for color.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or snap peas steamed lightly keep it healthy and vibrant.
Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat offer a delightful crunch.
Noodles: Lo mein or rice noodles tossed in soy sauce complement the dish nicely.
Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter provide a comforting addition.
Coconut Rice: Creamy coconut milk-infused rice brings a tropical twist to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Baked Sweet And Sour Chicken can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

Skipping the marination: Marinating chicken in the sweet and sour sauce enhances flavor. Don’t forget this step for a tastier dish.
Not preheating the oven: Preheating ensures even cooking. Always set your oven to the correct temperature before baking.
Overcrowding the pan: If you pack too many chicken pieces, they won’t cook properly. Arrange them in a single layer for best results.
Ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too long can make chicken dry. Follow the recommended time and check for doneness.
Using low-quality ingredients: Quality matters for taste. Choose fresh chicken and good-quality sauces for the best outcome.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Baked Sweet And Sour Chicken lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Baked Sweet And Sour Chicken

Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Baked Sweet And Sour Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1 minute until hot.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Baked Sweet And Sour Chicken.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and provide extra moisture. Adjust cooking times as needed since thighs may take longer.

What can I serve with Baked Sweet And Sour Chicken?

Serve it with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs nicely with noodles.

How can I customize the sauce?

Feel free to add pineapple chunks or bell peppers to the sauce. This enhances flavor and adds texture.

Is Baked Sweet And Sour Chicken healthy?

This recipe can be lightened by using less sugar or choosing lean cuts of chicken. It’s a healthier alternative to takeout!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything in advance and bake just before serving for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

Baked Sweet And Sour Chicken is not only easy to prepare, but it also delivers delightful flavors that everyone will love. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the sweetness level. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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